After lunch, Veronica and Kendell stayed for a while. Michaela seemed drowsy - though Joana suspected she simply wished for solitude - so she accompanied her to her room. Once she settled Michaela in for her nap, Joana returned to the foyer to find Veronica and Kendell preparing to leave. Veronica and Elijah were conversing quietly about something that appeared important, prompting Joana to retreat to the kitchen and grant them space.
"Ah! There she is," Veronica said when she noticed Joana, waving her over before she could walk away. Joana still felt Kendell's cold gaze on her as she tentatively approached Elijah's mother. Veronica, much unlike Kendell, wore a small smile and appeared more welcoming towards Joana than the young woman.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Wyatt," Joana s
